Talib nears agreement

Cornerback Aqib Talib, the Bucs' first-round pick, is nearing a deal with the team.

An announcement could come within the next few days, and he is expected to report to training camp Friday at the Celebration Hotel.

The Bucs have four rookies who remain un-signed - Talib, receiver Dexter Jackson (second round), guard Jeremy Zuttah (third round) and quarterback Josh Johnson (fifth round). Zuttah is expected to sign as early as today. Under Allen, the Bucs have never failed to sign a rookie prior to the start of training camp.

The club also is expected to place running back Cadillac Williams on the Physically Unable to Perform list as he recovers from knee surgery. Williams would not count against the 80-man roster limit and can be activated any time during camp.

General manager Bruce Allen may address some training camp issues today or Wednesday. Among them may be the status of quarterback Chris Simms, who still plans to report to camp Friday.

Simms made it clear in June that holding out was not an option. The Bucs have not had a chance to evaluate him medically. If he is among the 80 players the Bucs take to camp, he will have to take a physical.

What happens after that is anyone's guess. The Bucs have five quarterbacks on their roster and could hope that an injury facilitates a trade before the start of the regular season.

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